Return to Reuse: The potential role for Waikato’s territorial authorities and resource recovery sector in supporting reverse logistics for reusable packaging

Report: TR 2024/20

Authors: Hannah Blumhardt and Polly Brownlee (Reuse Aotearoa)

Who we are
Reuse Aotearoa is an organisation dedicated to building the momentum and capability to scale reusable packaging systems in New Zealand. We focus on understanding and telling the story of reuse, and fostering collaboration to bring reusable packaging systems to life and grow their strength and presence across the motu.

The story of this report (Abstract)
In 2022, Waikato Regional Council commissioned Reuse Aotearoa to undertake a three-part research project into reusable packaging in the Waikato region. This report presents part three of the research project: an exploration of the current and future role of territorial authorities (TAs) and the resource recovery sector in supporting reusable packaging systems through service provision. Through a desktop study of local and international commentary and case studies; and workshops and interviews with TA waste officers and resource recovery operators (both community and private) from the Waikato Region, this report considers the appropriateness, willingness, capacity and needs of the region's resource recovery system to engage in reverse logistics activities to help recirculate reusable packaging. 

Disclaimer
This technical report has been prepared for the use of Waikato Regional Council as a reference document and as such does not constitute council’s policy. Council requests that if excerpts or inferences are drawn from this document for further use by individuals or organisations, due care should be taken to ensure that the appropriate context has been preserved, and is accurately reflected and referenced in any subsequent spoken or written communication.

Acknowledgements
Lead author and researcher: Hannah Blumhardt (Reuse Aotearoa)
Co-author and researcher: Polly Brownlee (Reuse Aotearoa)
Co-researchers and workshop design and facilitation: Rachel Glasier (Envision) and Michelle Howie (Envision)
Peer Review: Karen Driver (Independent Consultant)

We wish to thank all the interviewees and workshop participants for taking part in this research project, and for so generously sharing their time, insights and expertise with us.